I have a full-time job (office job with no physical labor) and am financially supporting my husband while he is in graduate school. When the time comes for delivery I will have about 2 weeks worth of sick and vacation time built up. I get up to 12 weeks of UNPAID leave but unfortunately we can't go a single day without my full-time paycheck. We also don't make enough now to start saving up money before the baby comes (at least not enough to cover costs while I'm out). I am scared of going back to work so soon. I know everyone says I'll be exhausted and I need to bond with the baby. But what do you do when you financially don't have a choice? Is it even possible to go back to work so soon after giving birth?
2006-12-28 06:56:33 · 10 answers · asked by LittleRoo 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
My husband and I got pregnant despite using birth control. It's not 100% in every situation.
Please don't reply with something smart-*** to say...like saying I shouldn't have gotten pregnant. It's too late for that. Your message does not help and only hurts me. I am stressed and looking for genuine advice.
I do really appreciate everyone elses serious answers and sincere messages. Thank you.
2006-12-28 07:16:31 · update #1
It's always possible if you feel that you can do it. First of all, you'll have to get your OB to clear you. If you have a vaginal delivery, then you may be ready 2 wks later. If you have a c/s, then it may take you more time to heal. All you can do is play it by ear and hope that you are ready to go back to work when you need to.
I only took off 4 wks w/ each of mine (1 vag and 2 c/s's) so it is possible. Good luck!
2006-12-28 07:00:48 · answer #1 · answered by breakfromthekids 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does your state/province not have a maternity leave compensation package? Do you have an insurance policy that covers any possible complications following childbirth? These are things you should look into.
I would advise taking as much time off after the delivery as you can. The first month with an infant is the most difficult. You will be tired not only from the effort of the birth itself, but from having to get up multiple times at night to feed the baby. Get help from family members or friends if necessary.
Rule #1: sleep when the baby sleeps! Don't worry about housework or anything else.
2006-12-28 07:02:35 · answer #2 · answered by Blue Jean 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel for your situation. I guess it would likely be physically possible to go back so soon. I however, had a cesearean so I'm not sure I would have been going back. You may still be having significant pain, no matter what kind of delivery you have. If you're breastfeeding, going back so soon will interfere with establishing a good supply, particularly since you'll probably end up introducing bottles before baby is good at nursing, leading to nipple confusion (though there are other ways to feed baby that would avoid this. Talk to a lactation consultant if you're interested.) I was also still sweating profusely several times a day, eliminating fluids from the pregnancy/delivery (I had several IVs). If breastfeeding (or even if you're not possibly), you will likely be leaking badly still at that point. I'm sure you'll get through it if you need to go back so soon (and your doctor okays it), but I think it will be pretty difficult. I also was so struck with how helpless my daughter was and how much I loved her. I couldn't have imagined leaving her with anyone.
2006-12-28 07:13:32 · answer #3 · answered by Mary S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most employers will give you 5 weeks paid. Maybe it's just the bigger ones. I know I got 5 weeks paid. Check with your employer on that for sure. You will not be able to go back to work after only 2 weeks trust me on this. If your breastfeeding you will have to pump all the time at work and you will miss the baby!!! The other thing is childcare. You say you need the money but who is watching the baby while you are at work? Maybe you can work something out and go back part-time for a while and then go up to full-time again.
2006-12-28 07:01:58 · answer #4 · answered by Kimberly B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People do what they have to do...but do not! over exert yourself. Remember your health is most important...If you over exert yourself, they will put you into the hospital and won't let you go back to work nor will you get to spend time with your baby. So everyone loses. May I suggest your husband get a PT job even if its only on weekends. Something!!! anything to take some stress off of you.
2006-12-28 07:01:42 · answer #5 · answered by gypsy g 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am in "almost" the same spot. I will have to return after 2 weeks to my work because thats all the vaction pay I have and cant afford to not recieve a pay check.
2006-12-28 07:04:50 · answer #6 · answered by lisamarie7901 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will be very difficult for you to find daycare to take a child under 6 weeks of age
There are many women who can't afford to be off work and they go back. You do what you have to do.
btw: I'm in grad school and I have a full time job...what is he in grad school for?
2006-12-28 07:01:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Best wishes dear~
Your not the first nor the last mom to do that.
Bless you and the baby.
I breast fed and kept him in a portable crib in my office - I was an account manager and I was really really hard.
Bless you- you gotta do whatcha gotta do MOM!
More power to ya!
2006-12-28 07:03:28 · answer #8 · answered by Denise W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only your doctor will be able to tell you when you can go back to work. good luck and God bless.
Mom of B & D
2006-12-28 07:05:54 · answer #9 · answered by Mom of B & D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well maybe you guys shouldve thought about birth control til he was done with school, maybe he should put school on hold til you raise the baby up a bit. why don't people think before creating life?
2006-12-28 07:04:58 · answer #10 · answered by BoTToms UP 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋